Clubman Debuts on the Streets of Geneva

Sections: R55 (Clubman) Mar 8th, 2007 31 Comments

Earlier this week MINI sent a heavily camouflaged 2008 MINI Clubman around the streets of Geneva for a bit of “off the radar” publicity. Dr. Michael Ganal actually mentioned it at yesterday’s press conference when he said, “Yesterday, we let the MINI Clubman off the leash for a short time so that it could get used to life on the road.”

But publicity would be worthless if no one saw it. So luckily we have this video (which has all makings of an inside job) which chronicles the entire drive.

Written By: Gabe

Billy

Now that is interesting LOL I’ll put the feelers out at work and see if anyone knows anything – very odd though!
http://www.myr53.com SB

“Just Teasing: LOL
Joe

Nifty.
Wings

That had to be an ‘inside job’ but it was fun to see the real thing rather than photoshopped images.
gmini

Good to see the shape rolling down the street from various angles. In urban situation.
http://www.gominigo.com GoMiniGo

single exhaust pipe….non S model, which brings up a question. There is going to be a non-S and S versions of the Clubman, right?

How about JCW version?

GMG
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

There is going to be a non-S and S versions of the Clubman, right?

Yes – you can read more here.
FrankInMiami

Very cheeky! Love it! The R55 looks better from the side and back angles than the R56. The chunkier design works better on the Clubman and the absence of squished side windows and longer/taller roof lid really makes it stand out.

Still no videos or photos of the thing with the side rear door wide open.

Another 11 months and counting…
O(=^=)O Capn

I thought I saw two exhausts, I think it is funny how they almost stalled it in the beginning. I think this is dumb. It doesn’t show anymore than what we have already seen, the same parts are camo’d. It reminds me a little of the robot.
FrankInMiami

This is a video taken last year of a Clubman test mule (Possibly a Clubman S) being tested at high speed in Germany’s famous Nurburgring race circuit!

Check out the handling!:

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/videos/spyshotvideos/203140/mini_traveller.html

The R55 will be a run away success. Will it outsell the R56?
Bridget_J

I’m from Geneva and I recognized all the places where the Clubman went. First 20 secondes we see the Mini near the Rhone river, we can see the green lights from the “Pont de la CoulouveniÃƒÆ’Ã‚Â¨re” (bridge) I live 2 minutes from there ! Then we see the “Rue du RhÃƒÆ’Ã‚Â´ne” full of expensive watches shops and banks. And finally the Clubman is seen along the left bank of the lake !
FrankInMiami

Bridget, I have been to Switzerland, but have only visited Lugano (Italian side), Lucerne (German side) and basil. You have a GORGEOUS country and hope to be back some day and vist Geneva. From Lugano to Lucerne we crossed the Alps via the impressive St.Gottard tunnel.
mb

Ah MINI and their marketing tactics.

mb
http://www.dcmini.blogspot.com/ DanC

what did it say on the other door, was it “stop drooling”? ;-)
http://www.commonwealth.nu fdavid

Nice ride. I have practically “sold” to serious prospective buyers (ie: family) to buy this model when it comes out next year. One of them was planning on buying a Toyota Highlander!! Yikes!! Hopefully she will wait and get one of these nice rides, they look like fun if you have a kid and like outdoor activities (surfing, snowboarding…) all good!!
FrankInMiami

Will the Clubman affect BMW X3 sales?
http://whitemaleconsumer.com Zeke

The R55 looks better from the side and back angles than the R56. The chunkier design works better on the Clubman and the absence of squished side windows and longer/taller roof lid really makes it stand out

Agreed.
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http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4646283 nina simone

I’m with FrankInMiami: run away success!

though, i bet X3 shoppers don’t consider MINIs.

so, ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬” ala R56, they’ll offer S versions at kick-off, next February?

Ready!
GZ

Maxi Cooper
Jim W.

How do you pronounce it? Is it Club-MAN or Club-mun, or what? I’m just speaking the american version of english here, thank you very much.

Also anyone know why it gets the R55 moniker instead of R57?
FrankInMiami

R57 will be the all new 2009 MINI Convertible (based on the R56 platform) The current R52 MCC and MCSC Tritec powered cabrios will be built until 2008.
minimalist

can anyone confirm what appears in previous spy shots and this video that clubman has assymetric rear lights i.e one fog and one reversing light as well as assymetric side doors
FrankInMiami

The Clubman will have rear “barn” doors just like the original. Each door will have its own wiper/washer. This and the passenger side only rear “suicide” door will set it apart from the R56 2 door coupe.

I predict this thing will have a huge front to back glass sunroof and superb rear passenger leg room. All black with tints….MINI LIMO!
Mr. Miagawi

I love the Mini, but the Clubman seems more station wagon to me, less sports car-y.

I’ll give it time to grow on me. That’s just my initial impression after watching the video.
FrankInMiami

Station wagons can be fun.
Joe

Look at a dodge magnum, its a station wagon, but it’s hoss. Granted, I’ve never drove one, but those are still sexy.
Jake

The “S” version will be the one I want when it is finally available. Enough leg room in the back for my growing little-guy. In the meantime, I take delivery of a Santa Fe GLS AWD (the loaded version up here in Canada). It is no X3, but will more than do the job for a lot less $$$. The Clubman will be my personal daily driver with enough room to carry my crew, should the need arise.
http://www.mini2.info Markus

on youtube you can find another video where you better can see whatÃƒâ€šÃ‚Â´s drawn on the driverÃƒâ€šÃ‚Â´s side…

Stop staring at me

greets Markus
Ted

How about a panel edition of the Clubman? Similar to the recent Chevy HHR panel version.
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